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Love Dick Tracy? Here’s a perfect replica of his watch

Detective Dick Tracy was known for his use of smart technology. This watch is an official replica of the iconic timepiece seen in the comics.

Who is Dick Tracy? Tracy is an intelligent, hard-hitting police detective who has appeared in comic strips, animated TV shows, and a ‘90s film starring Warren Beatty.

What’s so special about Dick Tracy’s watch? It’s a retro smartwatch from a time before smartphones.

Where can I get a Dick Tracy watch? The new official replica is currently available to pre-order on IndieGoGo.

Who invented the smartwatch? While Apple now owns the marketplace, you could argue that the team behind Pebble are the true originators. But long before either of these companies was founded, a fictitious police detective was already wearing a smartwatch of his own. Dick Tracy gave us a taste of the future by communicating through a two-way radio on his wrist.

What does the Dick Tracy watch look like?

Picture for a minute in your mind’s eye a 1970s radio. This vision would probably include a small dial with a wavering needle and numbers printed in a chunky font. Sound would blare out from a single speaker covered by a tight mesh made from brass wire.

If you take that package and condense it to the size of a wristwatch, you end up with this Dick Tracy timepiece. The styling is retro in all the right places, without the less palatable parts of ‘70s style.

Just as importantly, this watch offers awesome functionality. It connects with any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, allowing you to make calls via the built-in speaker.

Hello?

The watch also has a couple of LED indicator lights for mode, battery, and incoming calls.

Who wants a smartwatch anyway?

Is that enough to call this device a smartwatch? Maybe not. But that doesn’t detract from the appeal in any way.

Perfect replica watch

What makes the Dick Tracy watch special is its likeness to the original.

Detective Tracy’s timepiece is seen regularly in the comic strips. As a result, the design team behind this project has been able to create a perfect replica.

Perfect replica

The device has a stainless steel case, with a black silicone back and a micro-USB port for charging. This durable design will make you want to wear the watch every day — not just at Comic-Con.

Everyday essential

One other thing to note: this is a limited edition watch. Only 1000 will ever be made, so you’d better get in early if you want one!

“As brothers, we’ve shared a lot growing up including the dream of owning a real Dick Tracy watch. Not a toy, generic speakerphone, or smartwatch, but a high quality Dick Tracy watch that makes and receives calls—just like the real thing. Now we need your support to make that dream a reality.” — Ivory and Horn

Limited edition

What we ❤

For fans of the Dick Tracy franchise, this watch is probably the best merch you’ll ever find. Furthermore, it’s a really well-made device.

The bottom line

Only time will tell how well the speakerphone feature will work in practice — but the style is undeniable.

Availability

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Meet Mark Myerson

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.